In a garment 10, such as briefs or diapers for incontinent patients, which employ hook-and-loop fasteners, impairment of fastener operation by accumulation of lint on the hook-type fastener tab is avoided by storing the hook-type fastener tab 30, 32; 50 in a pocket 26, 28; 52 of the garment 10 when the garment 10 is being laundered. Preferably, the hook-type fastener tab 30, 32; 50 is secured in the pocket 26, 28; 52 by elastic material 34, 36 so that it can be extended, stretching the elastic material 34, 36, to fasten the hook-type fastener tab 30, 32; 50 to the corresponding female or loop-type fastener pad 14, 18; 16, 20; 54 and will automatically be retracted into the pocket 26, 28; 52 by the elastic material 34, 36, as soon as the hook-type fastener tab 30, 32; 50 is released. The pocket 26, 28; 52 may comprise PVC or other semi-rigid, pliable, smooth material, and may be fabricated together with the hook-type fastener tab 30, 32; 50 separately from the garment 10 and attached thereto as a "retrofit". A
